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Damar Hamlin takes field for the first time since his cardiac arrest

DSprofileby:Dustin Schutte•08/12/23•

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damar hamlin
Isaiah Vazquez/Getty Images

Damar Hamlin is back on the field for the Buffalo Bills. The defensive back touched the turf on Saturday in the team’s first 2023 NFL preseason game against the Indianapolis Colts.

It’s the first time Hamlin has played a game since suffering cardiac arrest in a Monday Night Football game against the Cincinnati Bengals last season. The Bills social media team posted a video of the safety getting back on the field as the team kicked things off against Indianapolis.

Hamlin faced a terrifying situation last year, suffering cardiac arrest while attempting to make a tackle. Medical personnel performed CPR on the field and he was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital.

Those professionals and their quick actions saved Hamlin’s life.

Because of the serious nature of the injury and the emotion felt across the league, the NFL canceled the game between the Bills and Bengals. When Hamlin woke up for the first time following the frightening incident, his first words were, “Did we win?”

Hamlin getting back on the field is an incredible story for the 2023 NFL season. It’s great to see the young defensive back get a second chance to pursue a career in the game he loves.

Damar Hamlin talks about return to practice

Nobody would have blamed Hamlin one bit if he decided to step away from the NFL after his life-threatening situation last season. But instead, the safety wanted to get back on the field.

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He made tremendous progress in a short period of time and less than a year after his cardiac arrest, Hamlin returned to padded practices with the Bills.

“Football, you can’t hit that field with no hesitation, you’re putting yourself in more danger by doing that,” Hamlin said. “I made the choice to play. I’m processing 1,000 emotions. I’m not afraid to say that it crosses my mind… My strength is rooted in my faith and my faith is stronger than any fear.

“As long as your faith is stronger than your fear, you can get through anything.”

At 25 years old, the safety still has a lot to offer the Bills defense. Last season, he posted 91 tackles with 5.5 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks. He also forced a fumble.

Through his first two seasons in the league, Hamlin has played in 29 games for Buffalo. He’s credited with 93 tackles and four passes defended while on the field.